Janet (Jessie) Graham dress

1958.085: Green silk dress, c. 1855.

A three-piece green silk ladies dress with bodice (a), skirt (b), and over-skirt (c). The full length skirt gathers at the back of the waist to accommodate a bustle and has a pocket on the left side. The over-skirt has an asymmetrical hem and olive green tassel trim around, with a bow at the waist. The bodice has the same tassel trim around the cuffs and on the bows adorning the cuffs. Ecru lace under-sleeves and collar are both of ecru lace.

Janet (Jessie) Smith was born in 1827 in Scotland and immigrated to Canada. In 1850 she married Andrew Graham, who a successful King Street grocer. In 1870, Andrew purchased the house at 146 Park Street West for his family. Four years later Andrew died and their son William took over the store at age sixteen. The Graham family remained in the house until 1902 when Janet passed away. She is buried at Grove Cemetery.